Weekend Roundup: Quoi faire ?

This weekend, daylight savings officially begins in Ottawa, meaning this weekend is the shortest of the year. We’d better make it count.

All Weekend

This weekend, the Bright Nights Film Festival takes over Arts Court, offering eight contemporary films from Baltic and Nordic nations. From The Chronicles of Melanie, a Latvian film that deals with Stalin’s exile of 40,000 people from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to Together For Ever, a Lithuanian film about a family that isn’t quite as functional as it seems, there’s plenty on offer. Shows are at 4pm and 7pm, and tickets are $9 for students, $10 for adults.

Also kicking off this weekend is the Ottawa Irish Festival, giving you an opportunity to get into the St. Pat’s spirit a week early. In addition to the Beau’s St Patrick’s Day party on Saturday (see below), there will be live celtic music and breakfast at Saint Brigid’s at 10am. Adults get in for $6, children for $4.

Friday

Friday is a time of music, as always. The Split, local soul that is known to make people dance, plays the 27 Club. Their swing will be set up by indie rock courtesy of The Riot Police. Tickets are $12.

Over at House of Targ, Punk Rock Cover Night will offer a night of punk performance for die-hard punks. With covers of Misfits, Avengers, Personality Crisis and more performed by a bevy of local punk notables, it’s likely to be a loud show.

Saturday

The Beau’s St. Patrick’s Party is likely to be a huge draw this weekend at Lansdowne Park from 12-10pm. $29 gets you access to live music from the likes of Danny Rebel & The KGB, The Real McKenzies and The Hallions. Of course, there will be plenty of beer, and the ticket includes one.

For a less raucous time, head down the street to Black Squirrel Books for Adam Saikaley and Lidija Rozitis performing as Tempestas. Both performers are veterans of the more experimental, ambient end of the scene and will make you feel things. Doors are at 9pm. Tickets are $10.

St. Alban’s also has a great show going on with Shadowhand, Heavy Medicine Band, and Merganzer bringing an eclectic set. There’s so much to say about all of these bands that it’s best just to go to the show and discover them. Tickets are $12 at the door, doors are at 7:30pm, and Tall Pines Thrift will be there with a bunch of cute clothing.

Sunday

We have regular karaoke, hip-hop karaoke, and now poetry karaoke. PoeKa is only in its infancy, but it gives aspiring poets the chance to try out their reading chops by covering the greats (or the not-so-greats). It takes place at Bar Robo at 7:30pm and there’s no cover.

For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, check out our events calendar. Out snapping photos? Tag us on Instagram @apt613 for a chance to be featured on our feed. Be sure to use the hashtag #apt613 so we can share your photos!